An ultraound, also known as a sonogram, is a painless and relatively inexpensive imaging test that utilizes sound waves instead of ionizing radiation. There are no side effects. Ultrasound can give us two-dimensional, and in some applications three-dimensional, images of structures and organs in virtually any part of the body. In addition to diagnostic uses, such as evaluating abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis, and breast, ultrasounds are commonly used to guide needle and catheter placement in a variety of surgical and minimally invasive procedures.
...Read more

3

Placenta Previa:
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is covering the opening of the cervix. Vaginal delivery is possible in mild cases of previa. Placenta accreta is a different condition where the placenta gets "stuck" to the uterus. While the risk of accreta increases when you have previa, that risk is low if you have never had a c-section before. Follow-up with your obstetrician regarding delivery dates.
...Read more

4

Yes.:
A transvaginal sonogram is typically the best way to diagnose placenta previa. The exam should be gentle and fairly fast. There may be some spotting after the exam. But, it is considered safe.
...Read more

5

Not normal:
You need to be seen asap by your ob/gyn doctor. Call them and consult on phone or go to er. If you have placenta previa and are bleeding this could turn very severe very quickly. Go now.
...Read more

6

Not necessarily:
It's possible that you had a placenta previa early in pregnancy (this is common). As the uterus grows during the course of pregnancy, the placenta is "pulled" up and typically migrates away from the cervix.
...Read more

7

Leaky vessels:
Previa: Placenta overlies the cervix/birth canal. Gr 1 means placenta is close, Gr 4 means it's directly overlying/blocking the baby's exit -- high chance of preterm labor & bleeding; you'd need a C/S at 36-37wks. More common in woman w/ hx of C/S & smoking. Not much you can do but wait. If dx'ed early, the uterus still grows/stretches and a placenta can migrate away even in 3rd tri. Follow w/ US.
...Read more

9

No contractions.:
Because the bleeding does not involve the contractile part of the uterus, only the placenta over the cervix. The placenta is devoid of innervation, therefore the mother does not experience pain in bleeding previa unless preterm labor is also present.
...Read more

12

Be cautious:
No! A placenta previa can be dangerous and result in heavy bleeding. Anything that could disturb the previa should be avoided, like sex, fingers, really anything in the vagina. A previa can resolve over many weeks, so make sure your doctor is checking to see if it is still there. Until then, I would wait.
Good luck!
Dr S
...Read more

13

Not really.:
If the diagnosis of placenta previa is made before 20 weeks, some women experience resolution of the morbid placental implantation with time - bedrest is not correcting the problem. As the uterus and the fetus grow, they pull on the placenta and stretch the lower uterine segment to "move" the placenta out of the way and allow for vaginal delivery at term.
...Read more

14

Not necessarily.:
Your OB may recommend abstinence from sex, exercise, heavy lifting and all nsaids/ssris. Bed rest has no proven benefit but is commonly recommended in cases of preterm labor, bleeding previa or both.
...Read more

15

Bleeding and Cntrxns:
Previa: Placenta overlies the cervix/birth canal. Gr 1 means placenta is close, Gr 4 means it's directly overlying/blocking the baby's exit -- high chance of preterm labor & bleeding; you'd need a C/S at 36-37wks. More common in woman w/ hx of C/S & smoking. Not much you can do but wait. If dx'ed early, the uterus still grows/stretches and a placenta can migrate away even in 3rd tri. Follow w/ US.
...Read more

16

No:
Placenta previa includes partial or complete coverage of the cervix by the placenta. Bedrest is not necessary unless there is vaginal bleeding or persistent preterm labor. If vaginal bleeding is experienced, you will often be evaluated in the hospital with ultrasound and eventually released home to bedrest for awhile.
...Read more

17

Yes:
In almost all cases, some cases though with partial type or just the tip of placenta reaching the cervix and go into labor proceed without that horrendous bleeding, very rare, in these days with all the advances in diagnostics, medications, anesthesia and surgery, no one would take chances, for the safety of the mother and baby ,
...Read more

19

No way:
You have to have a licensed OB doctor. It can be life-threatening to you and your baby not having prenatal care with such condition. You can literally bleed to death. Or your baby would be suffering from not getting enough blood and be delivered dead.
...Read more

A previa is when a placenta entirely covers the opening of the cervix into the uterus (internal os). It is a reason for a cesarean section and if bleeding occurs and stops it may be a reason for prolonged bedrest.
...Read more